answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

The easiest way is to "flip" the inequality symbol end divide by the negative number:

Example:

6 < 3 - 3s

6 - 3 < 3 - 3s -3

3 < -3s Method a) Divide by negative coefficient and flip the inequality symbol

3/-3 > -3s/-3

-1 > s or s< -1

3 < -3s Method b) Full algorithm, eliminate -3s by adding 3s on both sides

3 +3s < -3s + 3s

3 + 3s < 0

3 - 3 + 3s < 0 -3

3s < -3

3s/3 < -3/3

s < -1 Looks familiar? So basically if you perform the full algorithm (method b) you can understand why we flip the inequality symbol when we have to eliminate a negative coefficient but it is faster just to flip the symbol (method a)

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Anonymous

Lvl 1
4y ago

If you're multiplying or dividing by a negative number there is one rule you should do which is flip a sign.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: How do you solve an inequality with a negative coefficient?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

How do you solve an inequality when using the distributive property?

You solve an inequality in the same way as you would solve an equality (equation). The only difference is that if you multiply or divide both sides of an inequality by a negative number, you must reverse the inequality sign. Thus, if you have -3x &lt; 9 to find x, you need to divide by -3. That is a negative number so -3x/(-3) &gt; 9/(-3) reverse inequality x &gt; -3


When you solve an inequality and the first step was to multiply or divide by a negative?

yes ... and so?


How do you solve an inequality if you are left with a negative variable?

In the case of an inequality, if you mulitply by a negative number, you have to reverse the direction of the inequality. E.g.: -x &lt; 10 becomes: x &gt; -10 (Here, I multiplied by -1, and simultaneously reversed the direction of the inequality.)


What must you do when solving an inequality with a negative coefficient?

Divide by negative one and flip the sign eg -x &gt; 6 / -1 /-1 x &lt; - 6


In economics what does the Gini coefficient measure?

The Gini coefficient is a measure of income inequality within a population. It ranges from 0 (perfect equality) to 1 (perfect inequality). A higher Gini coefficient indicates greater income inequality within a society.


What is the similarities of solving equations and inequalities?

You solve an inequality in exactly the same was as you solve an equation, by doing the same thing to both sides. The only difference is if you multiply/divide by a negative number, when you have to turn the inequality around.


How do you solve this fraction negative h over 12 plus 5 over negative 15?

It is not possible to answer the question. An equation or inequality can be solved. However, the question contains no equation nor inequality but only an expression.


How do you solve a quadratic inequality when the expression is unfactorable?

Use the quadratic formula for the equality. Then, depending on the coefficient of x2 and the nature of the inequality [&gt;, &acirc;&permil;&yen;, &acirc;&permil;&curren;, &lt;], determine whether you need the open or closed intervals between the roots or beyond the roots.


What do you do when you have a negative variable?

When you have a negative variable in an equation that you are trying to solve for, you multiply each side of the equation by -1. If it is an inequality such as &lt;, you would flip the sign to &gt; and vice versa.


Can a coefficient of a variable be negative?

Yes, a coefficient of a variable can be negative.


How do you solve the inequality?

you cant with the information that you gave


What is the easiest way you can solve inequalities?

Solve like any other math equation. One thing to remember; if you multiply or divide through by a negative number, reverse the inequality.